A: “Do I like doing concerts? Oh, I LOVE having concerts. Why? Simply because I find such joy in playing. I love having concerts simply because I absolutely love to play. The benefits? When other people love what I do as well. It’s a very humbling thing. There is a magic that can be felt and a very real connection with people that come to hear me play– it’s an incredible thing. I have heard that music is the language of the soul– I believe that. When music is honest, it can be incredibly powerful. So yes- I love having concerts.”

Q: How does music influence your life?

A: “Music influences every facet of my life. Here is why: Songwriting and personality traits go hand-in-hand. Meaning, if I want to write a better song, I must be a better person. Unlike most things in my life, I can’t simply compartmentalize music and my life. They are hand-in-hand. Having the love for music like I do has made me a better person. It has provided opportunities for personal growth and has been one of the greatest blessings as well as provided some of the greatest trials as well.”

Q: What inspires you?

A: “What inspires me? Life inspires me. Often it is events — other times, a great film or an incredible song which ignites a spark that I run with — it depends. Inspiration comes when it wants to!”

Q: What is your songwriting process like?

A: “My songwriting process is different all the time. Sometimes I will sit down at the piano and I will have music before I have words. Other times the music and the words come at the same time. Sometimes still I will have words before I have music. Every song and every situation is different. The key? Persistence. Practice, practice, practice. I keep a notebook with me everywhere I go so I can capture words and I keep my phone on me so I can record melodies. The basics, though? Just keep at it. Keep going.”

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: “My plans for the future! Ah-hah. Now here’s where it gets tricky. I hope to continue to play and create music. I always will. I just love it so! As far as the future is concerned, I am going to begin recording soon.  The music I have is quite old and really quite rushed to be completed. So, as you know, I was recently in L.A. writing and writing and working away. An A&R representative for Interscope Records contacted me and invited me out to L.A.. The experience was incredible — I learned so much in so little time. Ultimately, though, I decided not to go back. The answer is simple: the integrity of my music is everything to me.  The direction we were heading just wasn’t the right fit for me. So am I anti- Interscope? No way. Not at all. At the time, though, it just wasn’t the right thing. So, as far as the ‘future’ is concerned, I am now just re-grouping. Getting my new game-plan going. There have been quite a few bumps along the way, so I am just figuring out how to get things rolling smoothly. The time frame is to start recording in August.

It just so happens that the sound I am looking for and the specific skill sets that I need are available right here in my own backyard. Coincidence? Definitely not. 

So, the future is bright! It is uncertain, but with a fire in my bones and a strong will to keep going, it just feels good.